The four top placegetters. From left: Harry Sheaff, Tyler Van Asselt, Matt Purdy and Stu Duff

by Ian Dawson

(on behalf of the Ohope Beach Golf Links)

LOCAL LADS TOP THE LEADERBOARD IN THE OHOPE 10,000

The future of golf at Ohope Beach Golf Links looks assured if the results from the club’s annual two-day Men’s Open 10,000 held over the recent Labour weekend are meaningful.

Club member, Matt Purdy, who lost by a shot to Stu Duff last year, toppled the five-time tournament champion this year after a titanic battle over the two days. Sublime playing conditions on the Saturday saw both players on top of their games, each carding 69 to be two shots clear of the chasing pack.

Sunday presented a different challenge to Matt and Stu and indeed all other players, with blustery, changing winds swirling about the course. Heading to the 18th hole, Matt held a one-shot advantage but both players made it difficult for themselves on this final hole.

Stu overcooked his second shot, his ball whipping over the green into the carpark, whilst Matt, having unleashed a huge drive, had a couple of misdirected chips, leaving Stu a faint chance of victory. Matt, however, held his nerve, sinking a clutch putt to seal a two-shot win and earning loud applause from the large gallery of fellow players and visitors who had gathered to watch the climax on the 18th green.

For Matt success was well-earned. Pre-tournament he was bullish about his chances of winning his first 10,000. “I knew I had a chance after a bogey-free 69 on the Saturday. I just had to try and stay in control, but I was super-stoked to take the win”, Matt said post-tournament. Stu, always a popular entrant in the tournament, was typically magnanimous in defeat and was happy to present the winning trophy to Matt at the prize-giving.

For Ohope Beach Golf Links the final results took on even more significance this year with the performances of club members, 19-year-old Tyler Van Asselt and 15-year-old Harry Sheaff. Tyler shot a 71 on the first day and matched Matt’s 75 on the Sunday to tie for second with Stu. Harry carded a 73 on the first day and even though he had a troubled 82 in the second round, it was good enough to secure 4th place. Matt, Tyler, and Harry will ensure Ohope is competitive in the Bay of Plenty championship pennants come next year.

The tournament was yet another opportunity for the club to showcase its challenging, yet superbly defined links course to visiting players in its 50th year. Yes, the club, incorporated as Ohope International Golf Club back in December 1971, is celebrating its jubilee anniversary. Whilst Covid-19 restrictions have unfortunately postponed the jubilee dinner for this year, the club intends to hold a series of events over the next 12 months to commemorate the occasion, culminating in a grand function in November 2022.

In the meantime, anyone interested in the story of the unique Ohope club, and it is a good story, can purchase a book, appropriately titled ‘From Dunes to Greens’ and written by an enthusiastic club member, by contacting the club office.